Bought a '74 C20 Crew Cab today - Project ShortBox Crew Begins

[MTMike]

So I came across a C20 Frame & cab for $100 today, offered him $75, he took it, and I'll pick it up on Saturday.

1 of 2 things will happen:

1) Cab swap onto my shortbox frame, bob the bed (a LOT) custom fab tire clearance in the back of the cab corners

2) Frame swap my powertrain to the 20 frame, lengthen my wheelbase slightly, have a longer bobbed bed and have clearance for the rear tires w/out cab mods

If I think I have any chance of finishing by early July, I will start after Memorial Day, otherwise, I will wait until after Divide Ride in Mid July.

I will take as many pictures as possible during the process. Wish me luck! My buddy Joe's already offered to help and I need all the help I can get

Mike

 

[4xcrazy]

1 ton, with a shortened bed, frame and 1/2 ton axles

 

[MTMike]

1 ton, with a shortened bed, frame and 1/2 ton axles

 

[MNorby]

I think it would be simpler to swap cab onto your chassis but the again the 1-ton frame is stronger unless the 2wd older ones are different. Still a major process no matter what way you look at it. Wouldn't have to screw with shafts if cab swap though

 

[MTMike]

I think it would be simpler to swap cab onto your chassis but the again the 1-ton frame is stronger unless the 2wd older ones are different. Still a major process no matter what way you look at it. Wouldn't have to screw with shafts if cab swap though

That's what I was thinking too, and thats probably the direction I'm going to go with it though.... Joe's convinced it'd be about equal but I'm not buying it

 

[MNorby]

I could set ya up with some metal 55 gal drums. Take a section of that and fab into the back of the cab and make a half way fander in the cab corner to clear the tires.... maybe and idea

 

[MTMike]

I could set ya up with some metal 55 gal drums. Take a section of that and fab into the back of the cab and make a half way fander in the cab corner to clear the tires.... maybe and idea

That might work. I'll have to get some measurements first & foremost. I may not need to do anything, or just trim overhang.

 

[dremu]

The crewcab, while nominally a 3/4, has the 1-ton frame, i.e. thicker, narrow spring spacing, etc. If you're worried about it, that's the frame to use, PITA though it may be to swap.

-- A